Black Sabbath: The Eternal Idol (Red Translucent Vinyl)

Black Sabbath’s 13th studio album, The Eternal Idol, originally released in late 1987, is being reissued as a Record Store Day (RSD) 2025 exclusive. This special edition features the album on 140g translucent red vinyl, marking its first domestic release in this format. 

Key Details:

• Release Date: April 12, 2025 (Record Store Day)

• Format: 140g translucent red vinyl

• Availability: Limited to 6,600 copies worldwide 

• Label: Rhino Records

• Notable Aspect: This album introduces vocalist Tony Martin, who would go on to feature in several subsequent Black Sabbath albums. 

Overview

The Eternal Idol often flies under the radar in Sabbath’s vast catalog, but it stands tall as an atmospheric, riff-heavy record that breathes fresh life into the band’s sound during a tumultuous era. With Tony Martin stepping in as vocalist, Sabbath shed some of the chaotic production drama behind the scenes and delivered an album full of dark, brooding energy and sharp musicianship.

Vocals – Tony Martin’s Grand Entrance

Tony Martin debuts here with a powerful, melodic vocal presence that’s instantly commanding. His voice is polished yet dramatic, capable of soaring highs and subtle lows. He doesn’t try to mimic Ozzy or Dio—he finds his own lane, blending classic metal theatrics with a more modern hard rock edge. You really hear this on “The Shining” and “Glory Ride,”where he delivers operatic lines without sounding cheesy.

Guitar – Iommi’s Eternal Reign

Tony Iommi is still the dark heart of Sabbath, and on The Eternal Idol, he crafts dense, melodic riffs that straddle doomy weight and sleeker late-80s production. Tracks like “Ancient Warrior” have an epic, cinematic flair, while “Born to Lose” brings that gritty, hard-hitting vibe fans crave.

Solos are expressive, not just technical—he’s painting moods, not showing off. There’s even a brief acoustic break in “Scarlet Pimpernel” that shows his sensitivity as a player.

Rhythm Section – Tight and Punchy

Although the band lineup was in flux around this time, the rhythm section holds it down solidly. Drums are tight and sharp, and the bass lines support the riff structures without getting lost in the mix. It’s clean, purposeful, and never distracts from the album’s ominous atmosphere.

Highlights:

• “The Shining” – Epic opener, haunting chorus, incredible riff work.

• “Hard Life to Love” – Punchy and catchy with a classic metal drive.

• “Eternal Idol” – The title track is a slow-burn masterpiece, loaded with drama and atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

The Eternal Idol is an underrated gem that proves Sabbath could evolve without losing their soul. It’s melodic, theatrical, and heavy—all the elements that define classic metal, just with a fresh coat of late-’80s polish.

If you’re a fan of Dio-era Sabbath or melodic metal with a darker tone, this one’s worth your time.